Uniquely handcrafted items make thoughtful and lasting gifts
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Bringing exposure to wonderful artisans whose shops have gone unnoticed or under appreciated.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

3D Origami by ESpressions

It’s amazing what this dynamic duo does with a little paper. Artistically gifted twin sisters, Elisa and Sophia, have been creatively crafting sculptures from paper for years. Running across a cute little owl in their Zibbet shop opened the door for me to explore this talented twosome.
http://www.zibbet.com/espressions
ESpressions has a website where you can get to know the artists, check for upcoming events, and see their delightful works in a rainbow of colors.
Hanging ornaments, cupcakes, dragons, swans, and so much more await your visit. Flowers and vases in the bridesmaids colors would be perfect reception centerpieces. Pikachu or one of a myriad of characters would make a unique decoration for a themed birthday party and certainly add to the day’s excitement. There are so many possibilities with this shop's extensive range of paper folding skills.
The twins fold their paper in Massachusetts, and would be happy to create a custom 3D Origami sculpture for you!

Sunday, June 27, 2010

The Christmas Spider

Are your spidey senses tingling? I would like to introduce a very unique ArtFire shop specializing in Christmas spiders, Eye Spyder. These beautiful eight-legged creations are made of genuine gemstones, semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, pearls and glass beads. You are sure to find the perfect color combination, but if you have something else in mind, contact Eye Spyder and she will craft an arachnid just for you.

If you are unfamiliar with the German legend of the Christmas Spider, Eye Spyder recounts it on her site and provides a copy with all her spiders. Eye Spyder is remembering an old tradition to a new generation in a very creative way. You won’t want to squish these beautiful treasures, but use them for many years as you teach your children and grandchildren a traditional story that they in turn can pass on.

She works in Connecticut, ships internationally, is on Facebook, and has a website.


Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Cozy Blankie Buddy

Choose a snuggly new best friend from a unique collection of Buddy Blankets at this fabulous shop, lilbitofthisnthat (closed), on eCrater. Made to be loved and used these blankies will be a delight for many years. Coming from a large extended family, Rhonda draws on years of experience in making the perfect gifts to give at a baby shower, birthday, or Christmas for a precious little one.

With a focus on baby and children’s items, Rhonda loves to sew and it is evident in the wide array of handmade treasures to be discovered in her delightful shop. She has created an ingenious line of rings, absolutely gorgeous wall art to brighten the nursery, and so much more. You will have to pop in for a peek.

Rhonda works in Pennsylvania, ships internationally, and gladly takes custom orders. More of her special creations can be found at her etsy shop.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

She Sells Sea Shells

This very unique artist has chosen the seashells she collects from a secluded section in Stone Harbor New Jersey as her canvas. You can discover her paintings at a new CraftisArt shop, 1022seashellave. Kim only uses vacated shells for her creations. All shells are sealed and will hold up well to the weather if used outside as colorful yard decorations.

Each shell has a distinctive painting, and if you would like a short message written on your shell, contact Kim and she will be happy to customize it. She has included pieces of sea glass in some of her art works. There are wonderful shells that can be hung as true one-of-a-kind decorations and would be eye catching on a Christmas tree for any lover of the sea.

Kim works in New Jersey, ships internationally, and more of her treasures can be found at her shop on etsy.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Handcrafted Miniatures by Artist K. Stahler

When I first saw the little snowshoe hare picture on ArtFire, I thought I was going to see a wildlife photography shop. You can imagine my surprise and amazement when I discovered Kay’s K9s (closed) your destination shop for animal miniatures. If you would like to have your beloved pet immortalized, Kay says a pet portrait sculpture is ‘The next best thing to pet cloning!’ and after viewing her work, I’m sure you will agree.

Drop by her shop to see an array of animals waiting for a home. If you are not quite ready to adopt one of Kay’s little critters, but would still like to admire her work, delightful photos of her creations are available as prints, greeting cards, and postcards.

Kay works in Canada, ships internationally, and can be found on etsy. Visit her website if you would like more information on making a custom order. You can also find her on Facebook.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Decorated Compact Mirrors by Mi Mi

Introducing a new shop on Zibbet, ByMiMi, that specializes in creating classy compact mirrors. These unique designs are the creative genius of MiMi who finds time to work on her craft while balancing a busy job. Each compact contains two mirrors, a regular mirror and a magnifying one.

With several shapes and so many designs and colors to choose from, the perfect match for anyone is just waiting to be discovered. A compact would make an elegant remembrance for bridal party members, a thoughtful birthday gift, or the perfect stocking stuffer. These little jeweled treasures are the perfect size to keep in your handbag.

MiMi is happy to take special orders. She works in Connecticut and ships internationally. You can also find her on etsy. Her selection of compacts is astounding.


Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Button, Button, Who’s Got the Button?

Here is an exceptional etsy shop that brings buttons to a fine art level. What a delightful use for these simple little colored discs with holes. Arranging the colors in amusing patterns as a mosaic artist or quilted might, Jillian of JillianReneDecor creates one-of-a-kind framed artwork. These buttons are not sewn with thread, but each piece is hand woven using thin gauge wire. The intricate wire structure creates dimension and depth, giving it a sculptural appearance; amazing!

Her artistic energy has also expressed itself in the pillows she creates. Her choice of fabrics with eye-catching color and design are sure to brighten any room. Working with stripes is difficult at best, but Jillian has done a wonderful job putting this bold striped fabric into a stunning pillow, accented of course, with a button.

Jillian works in Virginia, can be found on Facebook, and ships internationally. Stop by her shop to view a colorful garden of button flowers! Now….who’s got the button?

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Pet Rocks & Viking Knit Chain

As with so many artisans, creative energy has been expressed in more than one art form. Catherine combines the talent of an artist and the skills of a jewelry maker to offer a delightful selection of hand painted pet rocks along with wire wrap and wire sculptured jewelry in this enchanting shop found on ArtFire, A Tabby Cat Arts.

Gaze into the penetrating blue eyes of a Siamese cat as they peer up inquisitively, "Can I come home with you?" This pet rock is named Ston after a stoic Star Trek Vulcan, and you know how much I love the old series.

Inspired by a piece of blue sea glass, take a look at this magnificent one-of-a-kind treasure. The sea glass has been majestically cradled in a copper wire sculpture and suspended from a Viking knit chain. Such beautiful craftsmanship! Take a peek at her shop to view a host of unique creations.

Catherine works in Oregon and will ship internationally. As I discovered her ArtFire shop first, I have featured that shop; however, she can also be found on etsy where you will find a larger selection of pet rocks and copper wire treasures.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Tatted Lace Jewelry by Elizabeth

Tatting is something I have always thought I would try someday, and finding this amazing shop has renewed that interest. Elizabeth’s Lace on ArtFire combines beauty and fashion with tradition in an unbelievable collection of tatted treasures. The addition of beads to some of her creations enhances their unique charm.

Trained by her grandmother, Beth has been perfecting her craft for over 15 years. In addition to her wide selection of finished items, she also makes some of her original patterns available for those who may want to try their hand at this knotty art form.

Beth takes custom pattern and color orders, works in Pennsylvania, and ships internationally. Visit her website to see other dramatic pieces and check out the show schedule if you would like to see her art in person. Thank you Beth for enhancing this traditional craft for future generations.